Classroom Resources: Impostor Fish

Is genetics relevant to conservation? How is this article an example of an application to conservation?

Why is accurate species naming important when tracking wildlife consumption? What will likely happen to global fish stocks if we can’t track the consumption of individual species? What will happen to the more rare species? Why is Dr. Peter Marko – quoted in the article – so concerned? What percentage of fillets his students sampled turned out to be something other than as named?

How does the global food market contribute to this problem? What role do regulations play? When you go to the grocery store, do you know where your food is coming from? What are the advantages and disadvantages both environmentally and economically, for a global food supply?

What role do corporations play in this? How could certification help? What specific companies could you write to for more information on their policies towards accurate labeling of wild caught fish?

What role does consumer preference play in all of this? If people were more willing to eat a “Slimehead,” do you think that this problem would go away? Could you design an educational campaign to make people aware of the importance of accurate naming for conservation?

What role did students such as your selves play in these labeling studies? Is it inspiring to think that you could do such groundbreaking science?